Deadline: October 15, 2025
The MAP Academy & Nalli Fellowship 2025–2027 is a prestigious initiative by Nalli Silks in collaboration with the MAP Academy. This fellowship aims to support individuals and projects based in South Asia that explore, document, and creatively engage with the region’s rich textile heritage. The fellowship provides both financial support and exposure for emerging researchers and practitioners in textile studies.
Fellowship Overview
The MAP Academy & Nalli Fellowship 2025–2027 offers an incredible opportunity for scholars, artists, and cultural practitioners to deepen their understanding of South Asian textiles through research, creative projects, and community engagement.
- Number of Fellowships: Four fellowships will be awarded.
- Grant Amount: Each fellowship carries a one-time grant of INR 5,50,000.
- Duration: Fellowship period spans 2025 to 2027.
- Application Deadline: October 15, 2025.
- Eligibility: Open to individuals based in South Asia with a focus on textile-related research.
Areas of Research Focus
Applicants are encouraged to propose projects exploring underrepresented aspects of South Asian textiles. Suggested research areas include:
- Histories of clothing and costume
- Community or personal textile archives
- Textiles in religious or liturgical contexts
- Environmental impact of textile production and consumption
- Endangered or disappearing textile traditions
- Critical perspectives on revivalism
- Labour in textile production, with a focus on caste, class, and gender
- Intersections of textiles with storytelling, poetry, music, architecture, and material culture
- Textiles in archaeological studies
- Symbolic and metaphorical representations of textiles in literature and mythology
- Techniques and tools used in specific textile traditions
These focus areas are designed to encourage innovative and impactful research that contributes to the preservation and understanding of South Asian textile heritage.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The MAP Academy & Nalli Fellowship 2025–2027 offers multiple benefits for selected fellows:
- Financial Support: A grant of INR 5,50,000 to fund research and project activities.
- Research and Development: Opportunity to conduct in-depth studies of South Asian textile practices.
- Exposure and Recognition: Fellows’ projects may be showcased through MAP Academy’s platforms and networks.
- Networking Opportunities: Engage with a vibrant community of scholars, artists, and practitioners in textile studies.
Application Process
To apply for the MAP Academy & Nalli Fellowship 2025–2027, candidates must follow the process below:
- Online Application: Submit proposals through the MAP Academy official website.
- Required Documents: Include a detailed project proposal, budget plan, and curriculum vitae (CV).
- Selection Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated based on originality, feasibility, and relevance to the fellowship’s objectives.
How to Apply
The MAP Academy & Nalli Fellowship is an unparalleled opportunity for South Asian researchers and practitioners interested in textiles to gain funding, mentorship, and visibility for their projects. If you are passionate about textile heritage and wish to make an impact, this fellowship could be your platform.
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your application and maximise your chances of success.
